mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
plural mattresses
Synonyms of mattressnext
1
a
: a fabric case filled with resilient material (such as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bed frame
b
: a soft, airtight case that is designed to be inflated and used as a bed : air mattress
2
: a device (as of interwoven brush and poles) used to protect a shoreline, bank, or streambed from erosion

Examples of mattress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Buying any type of bed online already takes a leap of faith, but mattresses-in-a-box can feel like any even more confusing sub-category. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 Theranos is her ‘spouse’ Auletta details how Holmes’ apartment was basically just a mattress. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 The two swiftwater technicians waded to the Fulchers’ house and retrieved the Fulcher children, who were huddled together on the mattress. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 Layer the bedding with a good mattress topper, two pillow firmness options and a spare blanket at the foot of the bed. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mattress

Word History

Etymology

Middle English materas, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin materacium, from Arabic maṭraḥ place where something is thrown

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mattress was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing mattress

Browse Nearby Words

mattrass
mattress
mattress pad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mattress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mattress. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mattress

noun
mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
1
: a fabric case filled with springy material used as a bed or on a bedstead
2
: a sack that can be filled with air or water and used as a mattress

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